Ethan Hawke is set to develop a remake of 20th Century Studios’ 1950 film The Gunfighter, which originally starred Gregory Peck.
Hawke, who is a big fan of the original film, is set to write the script with writing partner Shelby Gaines. He also may end up directing it, but that’s not confirmed.
The classic Western was directed by Henry King and Peck plays Jimmy Ringo, an aging, notorious gunslinger weary of his violent reputation. Set in a small town, the story follows Ringo as he tries to leave his past behind and reunite with his estranged wife and son.
However, his reputation attracts trouble, as young gunslingers eager to make a name for themselves constantly challenge him. While waiting for a chance to see his family, he faces tensions with the town marshal (an old friend) and the ever-present threat of violence.
Despite his attempts at redemption, fate catches up with him, leading to a tragic yet poignant ending that cements the film as a meditative exploration of the consequences of a life of violence.
Hawke previously said that this is one of his favorite film of all time, and while a guest on TCM’s 2 For 1, he talks about discovering the film as an adult after listening to the Bob Dylan song “Brownsville Girl” where Dylan mentions a Peck western multiple times in the song.
Hawke explains that he reached out to his friend and longtime collaborator, Richard Linklater, who pointed him the right direction. You can watch Hawke talk about the film in the video below.
Hawke recently wrote, directed and produced Wildcat starring his daughter, Maya Hawke.
